Fireplace Mantle

From day 1 I have wanted a new fireplace mantle for our living room.  I fell in love with our house and one of the reasons I did was because of the brick fireplace.  It takes up one entire wall in our living room.  But, the mantle that was in there was a complete joke!  For such a statement piece how could anyone think that a 2x2 board would be sufficient enough?  Not I!  So... I had my dad make me a new one and here is the finished product.  Enjoy the before & afters!  I think my favorites are the afters.  :)